Queen Ifrica lauds working with producers on new album

Queen Ifrica released her fourth studio album Breath of Life on August 14. The 13-track set which features production work by Junior Brown (Nuh Rush Records) and Stephen ‘Ragga’ Marley, bears the Nuh Rush Records/Tuff Gong imprints. In an interview with Observer Online, Queen Ifrica had high praises for the producers who contributed to the project.

“Working with Stephen was my absolute pleasure”, she said. “He’s hands on in his approach to music. What I learned from the experience is that you have to dedicate yourself to the process to achieve the desired outcome.

Junior Brown is a professional gem. His approach to everything he does is guided by his integrity. On the creative side he’s very clinical in his approach to what he wants to achieve.

His business ethic is very strong and professional and straightforward. Best team leader anyone could ask for.” Breath of Life also features Queen Ifrica’s children, Tanzie, Imeru Tafari and Malawi, who collaborate with her on the track New Version of Me. Queen Ifrica spoke about the thought process that she went through in putting the album together.

“My thought process was to be true to myself and my music. I have evolved musically and I am absolutely clear and ready to share,” she said. Breath of Life which includes the previously released singles Mom Like Me and Lanton (Lantern) which is currently making moves on regional reggae charts, also features Speechless, Pelican, Spoonful, Bad Girl, My Highgrade, Weeping Willow, Excellent Jah and Change the World.

The title track, produced by Stephen Marley, serves as a fitting opener for the album, as Queen Ifrica delivers an emotional prayer of thanks and praise over Marley's acoustic orchestral arrangement. What follows are 12 tracks of masterful one drop reggae showcasing the Montego Bay native's vocal chops and lyrical prowess on a range of material that covers the full spectrum of human experience as Queen Ifrica offers reflections on life, love, spirituality, and sensuality. Junior Brown spearheads the production, backed by top-tier Jamaican maestros like Colin "Bulby" York and Jason "j-Vibe" Farmer, equipping Breath of Life with the heavy bass and driving beats necessary to match the power of the "Fyah Muma's" captivating delivery.